AFL ladder Round 3: Adelaide in top spot, Richmond flying high, Hawthorn languishes
ADELAIDE claimed Showdown bragging rights and top spot in Round 3 while Richmond are flying high and Hawthorn and Sydney languish winless.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THREE undefeated teams are left.
Adelaide claimed Showdown bragging rights and top spot after its win over Port Adelaide while Richmond is in the top two for the first time in a decade or more.
Meanwhile, at the other end one-time powerhouse Hawthorn languishes at the bottom along with grand finalists Sydney and the rebuilding North Melbourne.
THE TACKLE: HAWKS ERA OVER, DOCKERS KEEP THE FAITH
BIG BLOW: DEMON GAWN COULD NEED SURGERY
SUNS STAR: IT FEELS GREAT: ABLETT RETURNS TO FORM
1. ADELAIDE (3-0-0) 136.9%, 12PTS
Rory Sloane is what a sportsman should be, hard as nails but fair on the field and a gentleman off it. In the end they’re goalkicking options, even without Josh Jenkins, were the difference. Deserve to be joint flag favourites with GWS
2. RICHMOND (3-0-0) 131.2%, 12PTS
Forty years ago Nankervis was a famous name in the then VFL. Currently it’s a well-respected one in the AFL. And then there’s the three Tiger cubs in Dan Butler, Jason Castagna and Daniel Rioli who have provided a massive point of difference.
3. GEELONG (3-0-0) 125.6%, 12PTS
Have surely used the last of their get out of jail free cards. Brandan Parfitt was partly recruited on his ability to win a senior best-and-fairest in Darwin when aged just 16. Daniel Menzel said he would get better this year. He was right.
4. PORT ADELAIDE (2-0-1) 142.0%, 8PTS
To win against the contenders, they need blinding games from Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard because they’re not massive in the match-winner department. Dan Houston’s foot skills will become a crowd favourite.
5. GWS GIANTS (2-0-1) 132.4%, 8PTS
The naysayers were jumping off after the Giants lost in Adelaide a couple of weeks ago but that loss doesn’t seem such an issue now. And don’t forget, they have Stephen Coniglio, Brett Deledio and Lachie Whitfield to work back into their best line-up.
6. WEST COAST (2-0-1) 119.2%, 8PTS
While Willie Nelson just couldn’t wait to get on the road again, these big birds are very much home bodies, and as such can’t be a considered a genuine premiership threat until they cure their travel sickness. Maybe some barley sugar?
7. ESSENDON (2-0-1) 115.9%, 8PTS
A let-down was going to come but that doesn’t excuse a dysfunctional forward line, one devoid of any obvious pathway. And when it got wet, and hard, and contested, the Blues wanted it more.
8. MELBOURNE (2-0-1) 108.2%, 8PTS
Should have been eight goals up at three-quarter time, even without Max Gawn. The pressure they apply is frenetic, like a swarm of angry bees. Suspect they are very much September-bound.
9. WESTERN BULLDOGS (2-0-1) 108.0%, 8PTS
They haven’t been near peak output so a loss was going to come soon enough. And while their depth is impressive, no Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Stewart Crameri, Tory Dickson, Mitch Wallis and Jack Redpath will get you at some stage.
10. ST KILDA (1-0-2) 94.2%, 4PTS
Their best two players in Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna are also their oldest, which is testament to that pair’s durability and a slight on their teammates. More is required from Paddy McCartin, Jack Billings, Jack Lonie and co.
11. GOLD COAST (1-0-2) 94.2%, 4PTS
A rare win of midfield ball with David Swallow, Aaron Hall, Touk Miller, Gary Ablett, Michael Barlow and Jack Martin flying. The latter is such an interesting component of this side’s future. Maybe this is the most even year in AFL history.
12. COLLINGWOOD (1-0-2) 88.5%, 4PTS
Can’t knock the win but got to find a way to get better results for the amount of ball won by a prolific midfield. Obviously Jamie Elliott and Daniel Wells will help in that area. The 50-50 games, like St Kilda next Sunday, are so vital.
13. BRISBANE LIONS (1-0-2) 82.2%, 4PTS
When Daniel Rich is as plentiful as his name suggests, and Dayne Beams, Dayne Zorko and Tom Rockliff typically prolific, they can stay in games. But they don’t have the tall targets as yet to stay in games long enough.
14. CARLTON (1-0-2) 80.8%, 4PTS
Unlike their opponents, they adapted to the conditions by handballing far less. Sounds basic but guess what, it works? And when they blood another kid who belongs like Tom Williamson then it’s all the sweeter.
15. FREMANTLE (1-0-2) 65.5%, 4PTS
Griffin Logue and Harley Balic were low on possessions but showed enough to suggest they will be serious players. Cam McCarthy started to get involved in the game after a year off while the Hill brothers provided the vital run.
16. SYDNEY SWANS (0-0-3) 82.7%, 0PTS
Played so many kids that privately they thought a loss was on the cards. Just haven’t been able to cover for Isaac Heeney, Jarrad McVeigh, Tom Papley, Dane Rampe, Gary Rohan, Kurt Tippett and Dan Robinson.
17. NORTH MELBOURNE (0-0-3) 75.9%, 0PTS
They are playing an honest brand that lacks the icing on top. Braydon Preuss’s form means Todd Goldstein will spend more time forward which may not be to his liking. Andrew Swallow’s output is well below his capabilities.
18. HAWTHORN (0-0-3) 63.3%, 0PTS
One of the easier parts of AFL footy is playing well in a champion team. Plenty of outside ball, etc. But who stands up in an average team? Far too few of a group who benefited from the glory days.
Originally published as AFL ladder Round 3: Adelaide in top spot, Richmond flying high, Hawthorn languishes
Why Crows have to wait longer to move into $100m new home
Crows chairman John Olsen is adamant the club’s new headquarters at Thebarton Oval will be the AFL ‘benchmark’ – but it won’t be ready for the 2026 AFLW season as planned.
Hunter tragedy latest shock to strike the ‘good-time Eagles’
Ben Cousins was the poster boy for the downfall of West Coast before his remarkable life turnaround. Adam Hunter’s tragic death is the latest example that not every Eagle was as lucky.